Bradley Marquez

Bucs Work Out QBs Jones, Peterman

By Sam Robinson | at December 18, 2018 4:46 pm

The Buccaneers have three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, but none of their passers’ statuses with the team are guaranteed beyond this season.

Tampa Bay worked out Landry Jones and Nathan Peterman on Tuesday, Sirius XM Radio’s Adam Caplan tweets. Wide receivers Devin Smith and Bradley Marquez were also among the players who took part in Tuesday’s tryout.

The first day teams can sign players to reserve/futures contracts is New Year’s Eve, so teams will be looking for possible adds. While Jones would not profile as a developmental project, having been a backup for several years, Peterman would.

Despite his struggles when called upon in a two-year career, Peterman has now worked out for three teams. Prior to his Bucs audition, the Lions and Broncos brought him in. Other teams may have their eye on Peterman for a futures deal, with The Athletic’s Greg Auman noting (via Twitter) the former fifth-round pick has other workouts scheduled.

Ben Roethlisberger‘s backup for a few seasons, Jones saw the Steelers go with Joshua Dobbs and rookie Mason Rudolph this year. Jones landed with the Jaguars, but the stay was brief. He also worked out for the Redskins, Bills, 49ers, Patriots and Cowboys this year.

Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s contract expires at season’s end, and the Bucs can part ways with Jameis Winston free of charge as long as he passes the fifth-year option physical. It’s not certain Tampa Bay will jettison Winston, but the expected new coaching staff may not be too keen on the embattled and often erratic passer being around on a $20MM salary. Third-stringer Ryan Griffin is also a free agent at season’s end.